Contextualising the topic
The following links provide futher background chemistry, suitable contexts and more ideas to be used in the classroom.
Simple experiments to investigate rate
This sheet gives six experiments are carried out in which marble chips (calcium carbonate) are added to hydrochloric acid. The volume of carbon dioxide produced is measured over the same period of time
and the marble chips are completely used up, in every case. The results are used to draw graphs of the volume of carbon dioxide produced against time in order to compare rates.
Chemguide
This is an excellent website for information which is clearly laid out and very useful for students. The section on rates of reaction is particularly concise and is a good place to direct students for additional information beyond their standard texbooks. It is particularly good for post 16 students and stretching pre 16 chemistry students.
UV dependent reactions
Ultra Violet radiation can be used to activate cements and adhesives in a variety of different everyday applications. For example UV activated cements are used when attached crowns or veneers to teeth. UV is used to break bonds and activate a chemcial change which would not ordinarily start by heating. This method is sometimes described as UV curing.
Molybenum concentration and life on Earth
This article from Education In Chemistry magazine provides a slightly different slant on factors which control rate. In this case it is the levels of atmospheric oxygen which are linked to the rate of photosynthesis in prehistoric Earth.